Science, Spirituality, and Religion have separate, yet complementary, functions to fulfill in the service of mankind. Historically though, there have been unpleasant confrontations between Science and Religion, often due to confused thinking about their purport. Further adding to the confusion has been the tendency to assume that Spirituality and Religion are one and the same. At the Third SSEASR Conference, as a part of this paper, I will be discussing the relationship between spirituality and religion on one hand, and science and spirituality on the other. This paper shows that Spirituality does not conflict with Science and indeed Spirituality is itself a science. To the extent religions of the world emphasize the spiritual truths on which they are founded, there will be less occasion for conflict between religion and science or between religions.

I’m embedding the paper below. You can download the PDF version of the same from here.

Yes, I did say science and I do expect this basic premise of the blog to be greeted with some incredulity. One may question the need for teaching spirituality in schools and whether a science of spirituality is really possible.

In answer, I intend to underscore the following points in this blog; in the coming weeks, I hope to expand on each point while inviting your constructive comments and views:

• Spirituality is essential for individual happiness and productivity, as well as for societal harmony and welfare.
• The art and science of happiness is seldom taught to children at home or school in any systematic way; the consequent cost to society has been immeasurably huge.
• Religion, it is true, should not be taught in publicly funded schools in a secular, democratic society. But spirituality is not religion.
• There is a science behind spirituality. To cite one example I am familiar with, Vedanta, rooted in practical psychological truths, is a scientific discipline that can be formally taught in schools irrespective of the religious affiliation of the student.
• Spirituality, like modern medicine, can be and should be “evidence-based”. In other words, the practical benefits of spiritual practices should be demonstrable. As an example, the beneficial results of yoga and meditation have been now scientifically documented.
• Considerable opposition from political, religious, and legal institutions to such an educational program is only to be expected. We will need to find effective and constructive ways to win over the opposition.

In initiating this blog, I do not offer myself as an expert in the field qualified to answer any of the questions. My only qualification is that I am very keen on discussing and debating the issues with others who also find this a very important and worthwhile question to explore.

Photo Credit – peiqianlong via Flickr